The V-twin engine where the cylinders form a "V" around the crankshaft, which is oriented longitudinally with the cylinders protruding left and right on models such as on theHonda CX500 and most Moto Guzzi motorcycles, or more typically transversely . V-twins can also be separated into three types, one having a shared crankpin (a normal con-rod is inserted between a forked con-rod thus sharing the single crankpin and keeping the cylinders in line, a single crankpin with side-by-side connecting rods and offset cylinders, or two crankpins, with the cylinders offset, which nearly every one else uses.

The angle in the V-twins varies from around 42° (Indian), 45° (Harley-Davidson), 60°, and up to 90°. Typical of the former are the Harley-Davidson and Vincentengines which because of their firing order tend to vibrate more. Ducati and Moto Guzzi make V-twins with cylinders arranged at a 90 degree angle to quell primary vibrations.